Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Tobias frowned, his voice firm. “Get in touch with your spy.
* 40%
Barry’s hands trembled as he quickly dialed Fred Larson, his spy. The call didn’t go through. He muttered under his breath, “Fred, pick up. Please, pick up…
He tried again, his nerves on edge. Just as he was about to make a third attempt, Tobias cut in, his tone grim. “If I’m right. your spy might already be…
Barry froze, his face turning pale.
Tobias didn’t elaborate. Instead, he turned to Yaxley and said, “Keep an eye out for any murders tonight.”
“Got it,” Yaxley replied promptly.
Tobias glanced at Barry, who seemed dazed. “Go home and get some rest,” he said, his voice softer now. “I’ll let you know if there’s any news.”
As soon as Barry left, Tobias turned to Yaxley and said, “Call Dr. Jones.”
They had both overheard the conversation between Queena and Merlin. The reason behind Tobias’s request was crystal clear. Without a moment’s hesitation, Yaxley dialed Mandy’s number.
“Sorry, the number you’re calling is currently unavailable…” Yaxley’s face darkened as the automated message echoed in his ear. Something was off. Without waiting for Tobias’s instructions, he blurted out, “I’ll go see which room Dr. Jones is in right
now.
Tobias remained silent, but the sudden tension in the room spoke volumes.
Mandy had two identities, and with them came two phones. One was for her business as Mandy, while the other was for her life as Penny–two separate worlds with no overlap. Mandy’s business phone was off, but Penny’s was still up and running.
Right now, she was using Penny’s phone to talk to Emma. At first, Emma had asked Mandy to sing her a song, but it quickly turned into a sweet mother–daughter duet.
“A thrilling chase, a wondrous place, for you and me…” Mandy crooned softly. “Alright, sleep tight, baby girl. Mommy’s coming back soon.”
Emma’s voice was a whisper of sleepy obedience. “Mommy, be careful on your way back. Mwah!”
Mandy smiled and blew a kiss into the phone. “Mwah!” She ended the call and slid her phone back into her bag. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her other phone–dead, its screen dark.
But it didn’t matter. All she wanted was to say a quick goodbye to Queena and Merlin and make her escape. She knew it wouldn’t be that easy, though.
As she began to make her excuses, Merlin swirled his wine glass lazily between his fingers. A sly chuckle escaped his lips. “Dr. Jones,” he said, “we’ve barely gotten started, and you’re already trying to leave? Isn’t that a little disrespectful to your new boss?”
“Respect for Ms. Clark,” Mandy replied, turning to Queena, “is best shown through my work, not by sitting around drinking. Don’t you agree, Ms. Clark?”
Merlin hadn’t expected Mandy to be so direct, brushing him off in front of everyone. The more she defied him, the more it stoked his desire to dominate her. He couldn’t help but imagine the moment she’d finally break, the moment she’d lead for his mercy.
His eyes flicked to Queena, a silent signal passing between them. Queena stepped in with a practiced smile.
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Chapter 20
“Dr. Jones is absolutely right,” she said smoothly. “Respect for me should come from your work, not from sharing drinks. But since you’re leaving, why not have one last toast before you go? A small gesture, nothing more.”
Mandy just wanted to get out of there. She grabbed the drink, downed it in one gulp, and made for the door. As soon as she stepped out, she felt a wave of dizziness. She steadied herself against the wall, trying not to fall.
Queena’s voice rang out behind her, loud and deliberate. “Dr. Jones, you haven’t had much to drink. Why do you look so unwell? It seems you can’t go back by yourself. Let Mr. Walker drive you home.”
Before Mandy could protest, Merlin’s voice joined in. “I’m leaving now too. I can drop Dr. Jones off on my way.”
Mandy’s legs buckled as Queena’s hands clamped around her arm. “Did you slip something into that drink?” Mandy managed to say. It was supposed to be an accusation, but it came out as a soft, almost tender complaint.
Queena just laughed it off. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Dr. Jones. You’re in no shape to go home alone. Let Mr. Walker take care of you.”
Mandy’s stomach churned as Merlin stepped up, his arm sliding around her waist. His touch made her skin crawl, but her body was like lead. She couldn’t even lift her arms to push him away. She had no choice but to let him lead her out.
She knew Queena and Merlin were working together, but she never thought they’d go this far as to drug her.
After Merlin took Mandy away, Queena practically skipped to the restroom, feeling like she’d just won the lottery. She had a whole future to look forward to, and she couldn’t wait to freshen up her makeup and get back to the party.
Queena’s job as the temporary director of Emergency Department was just a stepping stone. She knew she’d be the hospital’s vice president soon enough..
And Merlin, the guy in charge of the Administrative Department, was the key to making it happen. She’d been buttering him up, even if it meant sending Mandy to his bed.
While Queena was dabbing on some more lipstick, Tobias walked into Peace Room. The room, packed with chatter and laughter, went dead silent the moment he walked in.
He didn’t say a word, but everyone could feel the weight of his presence. His eyes scanned the room like a hawk, and when he didn’t see Mandy, his face turned into a thundercloud.
Queena had just finished fixing her makeup and sauntered out. Her eyes sparkled when she saw Tobias. He was hotter than any guy she’d ever hooked up with. And honestly, the wheelchair didn’t even cross her mind. All she could think about was how good he looked.
“Hey there, handsome. Did you get lost?” Queena purred, pretending to be a little tipsy as she tottered toward him. It was her signature move–the one that had worked on so many guys before.
But this time, it didn’t work. Yaxley stepped in and blocked her path before she could get close.
Even though Yaxley had ruined her plan, Queena wasn’t upset. Yaxley wasn’t as pretty as Tobias, but he was still way more appealing than any other guy she’d been with.
Lost in her admiration of Yaxley, Queena barely noticed as Tobias wheeled himself out of the room, not sparing her a glance.
Yaxley turned to the crowd with a polite smile. “Sorry to crash the party, but I need a word with this lady. We’ll sort it outside. You guys keep having fun.”
Queena had thought they wandered into the wrong room. She had no clue they were there for her–and she definitely didn’t recognize them.
Before she could even blink, Yaxley dragged her out of the room. As soon as the door slammed shut, he slammed her head
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Chapter 20
against the wall.
Her head spun, and before she could catch her breath. Yaxley’s voice was right in her face. The only aking sa Jones?”
Queena’s heart pounded in her chest as she wondered. Are these guys here to save Mandy or are they she her the sock shaky breath and started, “You’re looking for Dr. Jones-
But Yaxley’s grip tightened like a vice on her head, cutting off her words. The pressure was so intense for Weer for was being squeezed into a tiny ball.
Her face went pale, and she dared not say another word. Her voice trembled as she blunted one. “It Yours beach towards Mr. Walker took her home.”
“License plate number.” Tobias’s voice cut through the air. He didn’t even turn around, but has presence was. Kur shots. Cont hanging over them.
Queena knew better than to resist. Without a second’s hesitation, she blurted out the number.
Tobias glanced at Yaxley, and they locked eyes for a second. Yaxley nodded, already dialing the DMX Within minutes fury had Merlin’s car tracked down.
Yaxley’s eyes were glued to the tablet, tracking the red dot that marked Merlin’s car. “Tobias, check this out be sad jthing a finger at the screen. “Merlin crossed Wystmoon Bridge and is heading for Westaven District
Westaven District was a battleground between Westbay and Taventhorn for years, until Westbay finally claimed in this year. I was still half–built, with empty lots and quiet streets. Merlin’s plan was obvious.
Yaxley floored the gas pedal, showcasing his racing skills as he and Tobias sped to catch up with Merlin By the time they reached Wystmoon Bridge, Merlin had already found his “perfect spot” and parked.
With a sleazy grin, Merlin leaned over to recline Mandy’s seat. “Sweetheart, been waiting long? Here I come.” he whisp licking his lips.
His hand shot out, popping the first button on Mandy’s blouse. The white lace of her bra peeked through Merlin’s breach caught, and he went for the second button, his fingers trembling with excitement.
B
A5
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